SUMMARY
- Shohei Ohtani made a historic move by signing a record-breaking $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 10 years.
- Shohei Ohtani's deal with the Dodgers exemplifies the trend of jaw-dropping contracts in baseball, adding excitement and intrigue to the upcoming MLB season.
The 2024 MLB season is nigh the anticipation is palpable, with teams making final decisions and trades being at an all-time high. While jaw-dropping contracts have become the norm in basketball and football, the conclusion of the 2023 season left the sports world pleasantly surprised.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation who had wowed the world with his electric plays, had just made a record-breaking deal of $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The deal put to shame some of the highest-paid athletes worldwide but this inevitable move was seen coming from miles away.
The sports world operates under various financial rules. Leagues like the NHL, NFL, and NBA adhere to salary caps, imposing limits on the contracts players can command. However, according to sportingnews.com, MLB, with its distinct lack of a hard salary cap, provides an intriguing contrast, with massive paydays. Now the question lingers, who are the highest-paid players in MLB history?
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers – $700 million, 10 years
A whirlwind of commotion surrounded the coveted Japanese Star’s destination. With whispers of a massive baseball contract reaching an unparalleled $500 million. History rewrote itself when the former Halo went to the Dodgers on a record-shattering $700 million deal.
Shohei Ohtani First AB was a 3-Run Home Run, he’s won 2 MVP awards since then, he will make it 3 this season pic.twitter.com/RLFVQC8NP8
— Dodgers World (@bert_thedream) January 15, 2024
This deal stole the throne from even the $673 million Lionel Messi deal with FC Barcelona, and isn’t that saying something about Sho-time? There will be more to come of the two-way phenom, as soon as he recovers from his right UCL tear and be ready to pitch again in 2025.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels – $426.5 million, 12 years
A phenomenal outfielder, Mike Trout is arguably the best player the Halos have in their arsenal. In the spring of 2019, Trout penned another contract with the Angels which his contract with the team by two years.
The World Baseball Classic, the face-off between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout is considered one of the biggest moments in baseball history. It justifies why both are on top of this list.
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers – $365 million, 12 years
In 2020, the Red Sox broke Boston fans’ hearts by shipping Mookie Betts off to LA. As if that weren’t enough, Betts sealed the deal with a colossal contract extension. Which bonded him to his new West Coast home until 2032.
With Shohei Ohtani now added to the roster alongside Betts, the team is all geared up. It’s almost as if the Dodgers are building an arsenal to get that championship ring in the upcoming years.
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees – $360 million, 9 years
Aaron Judge, now donning the captain’s hat for the New York Yankees, entered the open market fray in 2022. Yankees faithful found themselves on the edge of their seats, nervously awaiting news of Judge’s decision.
Much to everyone’s delight and a collective exhale of relief, Judge not only re-signed with the team but did so with a jaw-dropping deal. Ever since then, Judge has proved time and time again why he was deserving of this massive megadeal.
Manny Machado, San Diego Padres – $350 million, 11 years
Manny Machado has penned down two deals with the Padres. Back in 2019, when he initially signed a 10-year $300 million deal. Last season he declared his intention to opt out of the remaining five years.
Following a rollercoaster of negotiations, Machado finally got the contract extension he wanted. The world of baseball with trade off’s, and massive deals is an ongoing saga. And looking at Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented contract the saga will continue for years to come.
